Just a reminder for everyone that the goal is for each game to be enjoyable for everyone. Let’s avoid unnecessary physical contact (extra pushing, grabbing players, etc.).
Also keep in mind that we do not have professional referees. They are going to miss as many calls as you are going to miss shots or make a bad pass. There is no need to argue or question any calls (takes away from the enjoyment of the game for everyone).
Click on the link to the right to view the game schedule which has been posted on the Cactus Softball Website (easiest way to keep everything up-to-date). Standings are also posted on the Cactus Softball Website.
Georgia 72 – Syracuse 62
Syracuse played their best game of the season but could not stop an undefeated Georgia team from advancing to the final game. Syracuse pushed the ball inside to Jason Nance and Mike Harvey and maintained a lead over Georgia until late in the first half. Todd Stablein knocked down a three pointer to give Georgia a 24-23 lead which would grow to four points by half time. Georgia appeared to take control of the game early in the second half scoring the first 5 points for a 41-32 lead. Kevin Nesteruk and Josh Goeller hit a couple of key three’s as Syracuse went on a 9 point run to tie the game at 41. Georgia always plays under control and didn’t flinch. Steve Ray and Todd Stabelin scored the next 12 points and Georgia had its largest lead of the game. Syracuse played with a lot of heart but could not pull off the upset. Stablein lead all scorers with 26 points for Georgia. Steve Ray added 16 points including four three’s. Mike Corbi and Jay Offerdahl each scored 11. Syracuse was lead by Jason Nance with 17 points, Kris Kunai with 13, and Kevin Nesteruk with 12.
Michigan 75 – Noth Carolina 61
In a game much closer than the final score Michigan was able to pull away from North Carolina in the final two minutes to advance to the championship game. The two teams traded leads and baskets through out most of the first half until Michigan went on a late run. Scott Tyson hit a 3 pointer at the buzzer to pull NC with in three but it would prove to be as close as Carolina would come. Michigan lead 43-40 at the break. Both teams appeared tired in the second half while the Michigan lead bounced between 3 and 8 points. Preston Buckman and Eric Rhodes kept the pressure on for Michigan scoring 20 second half points. Michigan also switched to a box and one with LD Jackson forcing Tyson to use up precious energy just to get open for a shot. Rob Bittler hit two straight three’s for Carolina but it wasn’t enough as Michigan scored the last eight points of the game for the final margin of victory. Preston Buckman was the leading scorer for Michigan with 23 points followed by Eric Rhodes with 20. Rhett Davis added 13 points and Brian Douglas chipped in 10. Clay Montgomery played an outstanding game for Carolina and scored 22 points with Rob Bittler scoring 15 and Scott Tyson 14.
Georgia 86 – Michigan 70
Georgia capped an undefeated season with a victory over Michigan in the tournament championship game. The two teams combined for 21 three pointers. Michigan jumped to an early 7 point lead before Georgia caught them at the midway point of the first half. Preston Buckman was on the bench with 3 fouls when Georgia started to pull away. Todd Stablein and Steve Ray each knocked down a couple of three’s as Georgia built a 45-33 half time lead. Buckman and Eric Rhodes tried to keep Michigan in the game but Stablein and Jay Offerdahl more than answered the Michigan 3 point attack as the lead increased to 20 points. Michigan made a late run and came within 6 points of the lead at the 3 minute mark. Todd Stablein shifted to another gear and took over the game scoring the next 9 points to secure the victory for Georgia. Stablein finished the game with 34 points followed by Offerdahl with 18, Steve Ray with 11 and Mike Corbi with 11. Michigan was lead by Eric Rhodes with 27 points. Preston Buckman made 8 three pointers and finished with 26 points.
The Playoff Bracket has been updated.
Michigan 84 – Kentucky 53
Number 3 seeded Michigan put in 11 threes and cruised to an easy win over Kentucky to set up a match with North Carolina, the number 2 seed. Michigan built a 41-21 half time lead behind Eric Rhodes and Preston Buckman who scored all but 8 of their points. Eric knocked down five 3 pointer’s and Preston three in the first half and Kentucky did not have the fire power to keep pace. Michigan increased its lead to as high as 36 points before Greg Pearce of Kentucky hit a couple of long threes but it was too little too late. Erie Rhodes finished the game with 28 points followed by Preston Buckman with 27 and Rhett Davis with 14. Ryan York was the leading scorer for Kentucky putting in 13 points . Kevin Moore, Dave Wahrendorf, and Greg Pearce each added 10.
